SEMA eNews Vol. 19, No. 19, May 12, 2016

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting its annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting June 15–16 in the nation’s car capital—Detroit. The annual LRP is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry issues and challenges, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, contribute their ideas to push the restyling industry forward and mingle with Select Committee members and SEMA staff to learn how PRO resources can help your business grow.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but LRP attendees will enjoy a guided, private tour of the facility.

The meetings kick off Wednesday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriot, and will break late morning for the Mcity tour and lunch. The meeting will reconvene back at the hotel after the tour for a group discussion and breakout sessions. A PRO-hosted dinner will take place that evening. The Thursday agenda includes a continental breakfast, breakout sessions, lunch and group project planning, and is slated to end at 3:00 p.m.

Zach Denney will drive his ’90 Toyota Supra Turbo on the Hot Rod Power Tour.

Meet the YEN Power Tour Participants

The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hit the road this summer with 10 members to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The YENsters will stop in seven cities along the tour starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas. Each stop attracts hundreds of local car enthusiasts, students and automotive professionals. YEN members will interact with students showing them around the “traveling car show” and discussing career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry.You can follow them along their journey via the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Let’s meet one of the teams!

Driver: Zach Denney, President, Wholesale Horsepower

Zach Denney is the president of Wholesale Horsepower, who is the exclusive North American distributor for ECUMaster Engine Management Products, Nashin Brakes and Shadow Auto Electronics. Having enjoyed working in many areas of the automotive aftermarket industry, Denney is excited to join the Power Tour with the SEMA Young Executives Network in an effort to reach out to young enthusiasts.

As an avid reader of Hot Rod magazine, Denney will drive his ’90 Toyota Supra Turbo on the Power Tour. In the true spirit of hot rodding, not much on the car is left as the factory designed it, and his Supra serves as a rolling product development platform for all three of the brands his company represents. Follow Denney via Instagram on the YEN Power Tour @HolyZachrilege.

Jason Wieczorek is a senior sales representative at Motovicity Distribution—a performance parts WD based out of the Motor City. He has worked in the automotive industry since the age of 15, starting with a major tire retail chain and working his way into distribution, where he has called Motovicity home for the past nine years. Throughout his career, an emphasis on building lasting relationships has been the key to staying relevant in a competitive market.

“The bonds and friendships I have made with my customers are the greatest part of my job. People don’t buy from businesses, they buy from people,” says Wieczorek.

The proudest moment of his career was in November 2013 when Motovicity won SEMA’s WD of the Year award, being the first sport-compact segment WD to win this award. Traveling to races and attending trade shows, such as the SEMA Show and the PRI Show, are some of his favorite industry events where he can strengthen those relationships. Outside of work, Wieczorek enjoys spending time with his fiancée Gail and his daughter Alexa. His hobbies are as broad as his knowledge of cars and include hunting, playing softball and working on cars.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level.

Young Professionals Business Competition Application Period Ending Soon!

Calling all young entrepreneurs with the next big automotive aftermarket product! The SEMA Launch Pad powered by YEN is a platform for you to transform your dream into a growing business.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level. Any executive with an automotive aftermarket product or service is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be a SEMA member to participate.

Ten finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their product to industry icons in front of a live audience at the 2016 SEMA Show. Prize packages include:

Semi-Finalist (14 participants):

One-year complimentary SEMA membership.

Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 21–22).

$500 grant to be used toward the cost of travel to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit.

Finalists (10 participants):

All the semi-finalist prizes, and:

Complimentary 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area.*

Family Events: Event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property.

* No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show. All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.